ROCHESTER, N.Y. — A program in our community is helping young people build life skills, one day at a time.
The gardens are not only a place to grow beautiful flowers, but also a place for local youth to learn and develop workforce skills.
What was once an empty lot is now the visible result of the work that a group of 18-24 year olds have been doing for the past few months.
Green Visions director Morgan Barry said it was about more than just mowing and sowing seeds.
“We build a resume and a base of experience so they're ready to go out into the workforce and get their next job or pursue their educational dreams,” Barry said.
The program aims to help at-risk youth gain meaningful work experience and community support. The garden is planted, maintained, and utilized entirely by members of the program.
Kayla Stowball, this year's Green Visions Fellow, told me the experience helped people realize their own capabilities.
“We're not on our phones all day. We're here working with our hands, which fosters a stronger mindset in each individual,” Stovall said. “A lot of people say it changes the way they think about work. They work harder because they come here and they know it's going to benefit them in the long run.”
Barry has graduated over 150 kids from the program. He says the kids have a set schedule, salary and advice from local residents about opportunities available to them. He says the program teaches the kids what work-life balance is like.
“Confidence comes with achievement — accomplishing things, growing, pushing your limits and trying something new and really understanding what you're capable of,” Barry said.
Storboll said the activity teaches members teamwork and helps them build bonds that will last a lifetime. Seeing their work come to fruition is very rewarding, Storboll said.
“Seeing it change over time and become something beautiful. It gives you a metaphor for not only life, but how you should walk through it,” Storboll said.
Those who work in the gardens and create bouquets can share their accomplishments with the community, who will sell them at the public market on Saturday.
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